A Christmas Miracle for NFT Patients

This week, staff and friends of NFT truly witnessed the holiday spirit in the lives of our patients. A simple act of generosity and kindness can make a world of difference to a family in need.

A Denver-area family decided not to exchange Christmas gifts this year, and will instead use the money to help other transplant patients facing a grim Christmas. The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, understand how a medical crisis can change the meaning of Christmas. Just five years ago, their family member received a small bowel transplant. At the time, medical bills were increasing so much that Christmas gifts for their three children were not an option.

Not wanting another family to feel the same way they felt that Christmas, the family called NFT to discuss their plan to make Christmas a little brighter for a couple NFT patients.

Three-year-old Ridge McCall, of Nebraska, and his family have so much to celebrate this Christmas season. In October, he received a lifesaving transplant. The heart transplant, which cost approximately $600,000, has led to soaring medical expenses for the McCall family. Christmas was looking bleak for this family.

When Ridge's mother got the call that someone was providing such a generous gift for Christmas, she broke down in tears saying this surprise could not have come at a better time.

Similarly, NFT Patient Wess Holston, of Missouri, will have an exciting Christmas celebration thanks to these compassionate donors. Wess is awaiting a pancreas transplant, which is his only hope for survival after suffering from uncontrollable diabetes since he was 16 years old. He and his wife have six children, and this gift will make their holidays much brighter.

Wess' wife, Katrina, said, "May God bless the Denver family...There are no words to describe how much this means to us, and we thank this family and NFT for their help."

The National Foundation for Transplants staff and friends truly feel as though we have witnessed a Christmas miracle! To learn more about Ridge McCall, Wess Holston or any NFT patient, visit our Web site and click on "Patients We Help."

Holiday Giving at NFT

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is certainly upon us. It's a happy and exciting time for most, but there are some who will spend the holidays anxiously awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

While spending time with your family and friends, please be sure to remember the National Foundation for Transplants and the patients we serve. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently on the waiting list for a transplant. Someone in your hometown or just down the street could need a second chance at life, and you may not even know it.

Consider making a gift to NFT this holiday season to help assist our patients with their soaring transplant-related medical expenses.

Click here to make a donation today.

November Transplants for NFT Patients

Each month we would like to recognize our patients who received their lifesaving transplants. In November, the following patients received transplants:

• Kendall "Pup" Chadwick (liver) at Integris Baptist Medical Center


• Shirley Craig (heart/lung) at Methodist Transplant Center


• Roseina Hester (double lung) at University of Washington Medical Center


• Reginald Lemaster (bone marrow) at Northside Hospital


• Jay Menhennet (kidney) at Cleveland Clinic


• Michael Miller (kidney/pancreas) at Mayo Clinic in Florida
  
• Brad Stauffer (bone marrow) at MD Anderson Cancer Center

We wish all of our patients the best and hope they continue to do well on the road to recovery!

Meeting Her Donor for the First Time

L to r: Wingate Grant ( son), Susan, Peter Andrews (donor), Helen Andrews (Peter’s wife)

Last month, Susan Grant had a moment she'll never forget! Ten years after receiving her lifesaving bone marrow transplant, Susan met the donor who changed her life forever.

Peter Andrews, of England, donated his bone marrow to save Susan's life after she was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

"Meeting Peter is a dream come true," said Susan. "I've kept a photo of Peter and his family on my mantel for years. When I look at it, I'm reminded that a complete stranger gave me back my life, and I'm grateful beyond words."

Social Worker Needs a Transplant

Every day thousands of dedicated social workers guide patients through the intimidating process of transplantation. For this social worker the roles have changed, for she is now in need of guidance and support.

Zoila Mora has contributed 25 years to the social work profession, helping young children in abusive and neglectful environments and adults living in an Alzheimer's care center. After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003, Zoila's health has declined and she now desperately needs a bone marrow transplant.

NFT is working with Zoila to help her raised funds for her transplant-related experiences. To help Zoila, or other patients like her, please visit the NFT Web site and click on "Patients We Help."

Personal Stories from NFT Patients

Please watch our brief video featuring personal testimonials from NFT patients.

Thank YOU!

This year, everyone at the National Foundation for Transplants is giving thanks to the wonderful transplant professionals we work with from day to day. Whether you are a social worker, financial coordinator, transplant coordinator, transplant surgeon or any other professional who works with transplant candidates and recipients-THANK YOU!

So many patients needing transplants are worried and unsure of the process. However, transplant professionals are dedicated to supporting patients every step of the way. We appreciate you and the work you do!

Celebrating 25 Years!

For more than 25 years, the National Foundation for Transplants has been helping transplant candidates and recipients raise funds for their transplant-related expenses. Last night we held our first annual open house, to celebrate of our 25th birthday!

In 1983, three women sat around the kitchen table to think of ways to help someone in need of an organ transplant. That first successful "campaign," led to the early days of NFT, which has now helped thousands of patients over the years. Keep checking back as we add photos of the NFT patients, board members and friends who attended our open house.

How Can NFT Help in the Transplant Fundraising Process?

Many don't know where to turn when they hear the astronomical costs for transplant surgery. At NFT, we help patients work with a group of volunteers to raise funds for their transplant-related expenses. Below are a few frequently asked questions that we hope to answer for those seeking fundraising experience.

1. What expenses will NFT cover?

NFT can help with transplant costs; hospital bills and deposits; doctors' appointments; pharmacy needs; caregiver expenses; insurance premiums; temporary mortgage assistance; travel, food and lodging expenses; co-pays; and more.

2. What if I don't know enough people to volunteer?

NFT can help find additional volunteer resources in your community, such as religious organizations, civic groups, community service organizations, fraternities and sororities.

3. When is the best time to fundraise?

Before your transplant it's easier to communicate the need, gather momentum and maintain enthusiasm among volunteers and donors. However, many campaigns continue to fundraise post-transplant, and others don't even begin until after transplant.

Former Teacher Receives Stem Cell Transplant

For 36 years, Mike George devoted his heart and soul to the lives of countless students during his career as a high school science teacher and principal.

Four years ago, Mike began experiencing pain in his joints and shortness of breath. Doctors diagnosed him with scleroderma, and his only hope was a stem cell transplant.

After Mike and his campaign volunteers began working with NFT, more than $60,000 was raised for Mike's transplant-related expenses. In March of this year, he received his lifesaving transplant and is recovering well at his home in New Jersey.

Can the Internet Help Your Fundraising Campaign?

Utilizing the numerous tools the Internet has to offer can really help your fundraising campaign! Below are a few ways your campaign can benefit from the Internet.

• Get the word out there. By creating a blog or Web site, you can reach a broader audience.


• Ask people for donations. Whether it is through an e-mail solicitation or an appeal on your Web site, simply explain your problem and ask people for help.


• Encourage people to visit NFT’s donation page and look for your personal campaign page. This allows supporters to donate directly online with a safe, secure process.


• Use your Web site to promote fundraising events, which could increase attendance and participation.

Transplant Recipient to Meet Bone Marrow Donor

In 1998, Susan Grant received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. Without that transplant, Susan would not have had the opportunity for a second chance at life.

After being diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, doctors told Susan a bone marrow transplant was her only hope.

Although several candidates in the U.S. matched Susan on six different testing levels, each of the U.S. candidates refused to take the DNA component matching test, which forced Susan to begin an international search. Fortunately, a donor in England was a perfect match on all seven levels.

Ten years ago Peter Andrews, of Reading, England, offered Susan a second chance at life by donating his bone marrow. Since then, the two have kept in touch through letters and e-mails. For the first time since the transplant, Susan and Andrew will meet in person.

Peter and his wife will fly to Richmond, VA this weekend to attend a "birthday" celebration at a local church to commemorate Susan's transplant 10 years ago.

"Meeting Peter is a dream come true," said Susan. "I've kept a photo of Peter and his family on my mantel for years. When I look at it, I'm reminded that a complete stranger gave me back my life, and I'm grateful beyond words."

NFT Patient Waiting in Houston for Bone Marrow Transplant

Oftentimes, our patients must relocate to be closer to their transplant center before and after receiving a transplant. Relocation can be difficult for patients, not only because of the soaring costs of travel, lodging, food and the needs of their caregivers, but also because of the emotional toll from being away from home in a frightening time.

Brad Stauffer, an NFT patient from Illinois, is currently living in Houston as he awaits a bone marrow transplant to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of cancer that attacks the blood and bone marrow. Patients are given a life expectancy of 7—10 years after diagnosis; Brad was diagnosed 8 years ago. A bone marrow transplant is his only hope for a new life, and it comes with a survival rate of 80 percent.

“What this transplant does is give me a new lease on life. My survival rate is 80 percent after the surgery. And that’s encouraging,” Brad explains.

His hometown newspaper The Southern Illinoisan featured Brad in a story last week, telling his community about his condition and his need for financial help.

Click here to read about Brad and how he is working with NFT to raise funds for his bone marrow transplant.

Organ Donors in the U.S.

In 2007, the number of organ donors across the country was double the amount in 1988. The increase in organ donors is great news, but there's still work to be done! Certain regions in the country have far fewer donors than others.

For example, the New England region had 257 donors last year, while the Southern region had more than 1,000 donors.

With more than 100,000 people currently awaiting transplants in the U.S., we desperately need to remind people in our communities of the urgent need for organ donors.

Below is a list of the number of organ donors in specific regions of the United States last year.

• Region 1 (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI): 257
• Region 2 (D.C.,DE, MD, NJ, PA, WV): 975
• Region 3 (AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, Puerto Rico): 1,377
• Region 4 (OK, TX): 779
• Region 5 (AZ, CA, NV, NM, UT): 1,138
• Region 6 (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA): 256
• Region 7 (IL, MN, ND, SD, WI): 637
• Region 8 (CO, IA, KS, MO, NE, WY): 543
• Region 9 (NY, VT): 468
• Region 10 (IN, MI, OH): 745
• Region 11 (KY, NC, SC, TN, VA): 914

Contact your local organ donation registry, or visit Donate Life America to become an organ donor in your state.

Tips for a Successful Fundraising Campaign

Our goal at NFT is to help every patient have a successful campaign, whether they have one big event or a few small fundraisers. Here are some tips for success!

• Stay committed and enthusiastic.
• Thank contributors and volunteers.
• Ask for help in person.
• Meet regularly so everyone can stay focused.
• Use a newsletter to keep everyone informed.
• Advertise and attract attention. Take advantage of community resources, such as church bulletins and community calendars.
• Be creative. Make ordinary events extraordinary. What about a black-tie bowl-a-thon or a “snowman”-building contest on the beach?
• Continuously recruit volunteers so ideas are fresh and enthusiasm remains high.
• Seek opportunities for matching funds from local corporations and businesses.

Patient in Georgia Needs Liver Transplant

In the spring of 2005, Wayne Carter was diagnosed with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, a frightening diagnosis that affects two of Wayne's sisters and has already claimed the life of another sister. It wasn't long before his doctor found it necessary to place Wayne on the transplant waiting list at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta in need of a liver transplant. Wayne is determined to stay positive and battle this disease with all of his heart.


After partnering with NFT, Wayne's fundraising volunteers have raised more than $30,000 through appeal letters and special events. With the support of friends, the NFT staff and his wife, Susan, Wayne will continue to face this struggle smiling until he receives a second chance at life.

When asked how he is doing, Wayne shares his optimistic philosophy, "You can laugh or you can cry, but crying just gives you a headache!"

Fundraising Tips

As campaign volunteers plan fundraising events for a friend or loved one's transplant, it is important to remember to keep things fresh and try new ideas. Special events can range from simple activities, such as a car wash or garage sale; to complex events that require months of planning, such as a golf tournament or silent auction.

In addition to raising money, fundraisers can:

• Raise awareness about the needs of transplant patients.
• Inform the public about organ and bone marrow donor awareness.
• Motivate new volunteers to join the fundraising effort.

Be creative and have fun!

How Many People Need a Transplant?

According to UNOS, 100,299 patients are currently awaiting a transplant. More than 70% of those patients need kidney transplants, and over 15% need a liver transplant in hopes of regaining a normal, healthy life.

So far, more than 16,000 U.S. patients have received transplants in 2008. If more people were willing to donate, even more patients could have the transplant surgeries they need. Across the U.S., the number of organ donors has nearly doubled since 1988. If that trend continues, more and more transplant patients will be given a second chance at life.

How can you donate the gift of life?
1. Share your life by deciding to become a donor. Click here and find out how to register to become a donor in your state.
2. Share your decision by talking to your family about your commitment.

NFT Patient's Milestone Transplant

Courtney Williams, far right, at 2008 Transplant Games in Pittsburgh, PA.

It is hard to imagine that this vibrant 19-year-old girl was once fighting for her life, but it's true. In 1990, little 3-week-old Courtney Williams was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1), a rare disorder that can damage patients' lungs or liver. After discovering she had developed incurable cirrhosis of the liver, doctors knew her only chance for survival was a liver transplant.

Little Courtney, awaiting a liver transplant in 1990.

Courtney's mother would serve as the living donor for the transplant. A milestone in transplantation at the time, the first successful living donor transplant had only occurred one year earlier. But before she could receive the transplant, the hospital required $150,000. Courtney's family came to NFT for guidance and support to raise the funds they desperately needed.

With the help of NFT and a supportive group of volunteers, Courtney's family raised the entire amount in just five short months. Later that year, doctors removed a portion of her mother's healthy liver to offer Courtney a second chance at life.

Today, Courtney is the picture of good health. She has even participated in the recent U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh, where she competed in athletic events with other transplant survivors.

Transplant Patients Often Face Financial Challenges

Do you know how costly a transplant can be?

To say transplants are "expensive" is an incredible understatement. When patients hear the staggering amount of money they may be required to pay, it can be frightening to say the least. What is more frightening is the fact that money could stand in the way of an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant a patient desperately needs to stay alive. Many transplant centers require significant deposits before a patient can even be added to the waiting list, which causes extra stress for patients.

Below are the approximate costs for transplantation, and these do not include any pre-transplant or follow-up expenses:

• Heart: $650,000
• Lung: $400,000
• Liver: $500,000
• Kidney: $250,000
• Pancreas: $300,000
• Intestine: $900,000
• Bone marrow (autologous): $270,000
• Bone marrow (allogeneic related): $480,000
• Bone marrow (allogeneic unrelated): $600,000
• Cornea: $20,000

NFT helps to reduce financial burdens for our patients. By guiding transplant patients through the fundraising process, we offer the support and resources patients need to create successful fundraising campaigns in their own communities.

How NFT Helps

NFT has been helping transplant candidates and recipients with fundraising campaigns for 25 years. In the past 10 years alone, we have helped raise more than $26 million to assist patients with transplant-related expenses.

Weslynn Bates tells the story of how NFT helped her in this recent article from the Commercial Appeal. After a successful heart transplant eight years ago, Weslynn is living a full and healthy life working and spending time with her family. The money she raised through her fundraising campaign with NFT still helps pay for 17 different post-transplant medications she must take daily.

Weslynn's original fundraisers included a benefit concert, casino night and an auction. With the guidance of NFT fundraising consultants, Weslynn's fundraising volunteers were able to plan and implement the events to raise funds for Weslynn's second chance at life.

October Conferences

Are you a transplant professional? If you're attending either of the following conferences, stop by the NFT booth to learn about the services we could offer your patients. You'll also receive a birthday surprise to celebrate our 25th anniversary!

• October 1-3: Transplant Financial Coordinators Association; Nashville, TN
• October 23-25: Society of Transplant Social Workers; New Orleans, LA

To learn more about NFT's services or to request informational brochures, all 800-489-3863.

Who are we? Could we help you?

NFT is a nonprofit organization assisting patients in the United States who are in need of an organ or bone marrow transplant or have already received a transplant, and have financial needs as a result of significant transplant-related costs not covered by private insurance or public assistance.

NFT sets up a fundraising campaign in the patient's community, in support of an NFT state/organ or tissue fund. Of the money raised in these community drives, 95% goes to the appropriate state fund to pay for transplant-related costs. Only 5% is retained to cover NFT campaign costs.